ESC-20032 - Environmental Analytical Methods

Coordinator: Ian Oliver Tel: +44 1782 7 34956

Lecture Time: See Timetable...

Level: Level 5

Credits: 15

Study Hours: 150

School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

CHE-10044 (Introductory Environmental Chemistry).

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

Effective investigation, management and monitoring of the environment can only be achieved through the design of robust sampling strategies, the use of accurate and precise analytical techniques, and the sound interpretation of data.
This module provides hands-on practical experience and theoretical understanding of experimental design and sampling strategy development, the use of analytical instruments to characterise environmental media (e.g. air, water, soil, biota) and the interpretation of data. The knowledge and skills developed are highly relevant for careers in environmental management, regulation, consultancy and research.

Aims

To enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of sampling strategies and experimental design in environmental science investigations. To provide students with technical knowledge of, and hands-on experience using, a range of analytical equipment for examining environmental media (soil, water, vegetation, air). To facilitate students gaining experience and skills in the manipulation, analysis and interpretation of environmental data sets.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-20032/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

1,2,3
1
2

Study hours

10 hours lectures
40 hours practical sessions + workshops
100 hours guided independent study, group work and class test preparation and completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 50%
Portfolio
A portfolio of laboratory reports based on practical sessions where students engage with different analytical instruments used for the characterization of environmental media (e.g. soil, water).

2: Presentation weighted 20%
Small Group Presentation
In small groups, students devise and then present to staff and the class a field sampling strategy and laboratory analysis plan (covering 1- what environmental media they would sample; 2- how they would process the samples; 3- which analytical instruments they would employ to examine/characterise the samples; and 4- their underpinning rationale) for investigating a defined topical environmental issue or accident scenario. Some aspect of student choice will be afforded in scenario allocation.

3: Online Tasks weighted 30%
on-line Class test
An on-line, open book, class test based on content across lectures and laboratory sessions covered in the module. Students will write short-essay answers to a series of questions.

ESC-20032 - Module Specification School of Geography, Geology and the Environment Faculty of Natural Sciences

ESC-20032 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences